My personal opinion about the Rubicon is kind of mixed. The threads out there about failure of the hydrostat transmission concern me a bit. It is liquid cooled, but also a solid rear axle.

I guess if a person doesn't mind shifting or prefers a manual shift, the Foreman is a much better value. If you get into the Rubicon's price range and want an auto, you aren't that far away from a Rincon with independent rear suspension, more ground clearance, more power...

I can't imagine you could be that far away from a dealer with a Foreman?

 

Thanks Jeffin. I tend to agree with you. I live in a remote area and the nearest dealer that has a Foreman 2006 I want is a 6-hour round-trip drive away.

Ron

 

I have been doing some searches on this forum and others. I am now also considering the Yamaha Kodiak 450 because of the IRS which gives the better ground clearance. I don't like the belt drive though. I am even considering the larger version of the 450 Kodiak, the Grizzly, but that won't exactly fit my fuel economy criterion.

I have looked at the Grizzly and the Rubicon at a dealership. Both are about $7400.00 OTD.

What are your opinions? They previous replies have been helpful and appreciated.

Thanks,
Ron

 

RonK,
If you could get to Southern Honda in Chattanooga, TN. you could get an '05 Foreman 500 for $5283 OTD. The '06 is only $400 more.

 

Thanks Grumpy2.

My Kinfolks all come from East TN in Roane County and I have been thinking about taking my Mother back to where she grew up this spring or summer. If I could wait that long it would be a good time to pick up a Foreman at that good price. I haven't been back there in 30+ years.


BTW, one of my favorite old bluegrass songs from the 40s/early 50s is the "Hills of Roane County".

 

Well, you could always go to your local dealer, and pollitely tell them that if they can meet that price for a Foreman that you would buy it right now...

Shouldn't take them long to get one once they have ordered.

 

If you are concerned about Fuel economy, buy a FUEL PACK that fits on your rack.
Many different companies make them. Most hold about 3.35 gallons and are have dimensions of 2.5" x 27" x17"